Options near San Rafael

I'll be the first of many to say that you can easily spend several hours at RR, what with their tasting boards, great food, and Pliny flowing like a river. Even if you just went there and Lagunitas, you'd have a killer time. That said, closer to San Rafael proper is Marin Brewing Company. I'm sure @SanFranJake can weigh in, too.

 

@JayORear, indeed,
Marin Brew Co is a short drive (or Uber), as is Moylan's, which is in the opposite direction.
Gestalt Haus and Iron Springs, both in Fairfax, are nice also and there are a few bars/ live music venues in Fairfax as well.
I highly commend going to Mill Valley Market, in Mill Valley. If you're able to do so, call ahead and ask for Chuck. Tell him Jake sent you. He's really a great dude to chat with and if you call ahead, he might set some Pliny aside for you. 100% honest.
And actually, Mollie Stones in Sausalitio has an fucking rad selection of beers (and stemware) including Modern Times, so it's the only Marin County Modern Times place I know of.

 

+1 for Marin Brew co, I like their san quentin stout

 

And don't forget you are driving right by Moylan's on your way up to Lagu. Moylan's typically has at least two brews on cask daily. Also bottles for sale. Literally right off the freeway. A right...left...and left. Food is above average too.....but RR has pizza bites. Nuff said.

 

Baeltane Brewing is also in Novato. I've had a few of their beers and think they'd be worth a stop.

 

Giving up the honey pot a bit here but if you do head out towards fairfax it's worth going to Ludwigs in San Anselmo. James has been doing a great job managing the beer there and they have always had the best whisky selection in Marin.

 

In San Rafael, you're only ~20 miles from SF. Might as well head in and enjoy some great beer (Toronado, Mikkeller bar, Cellarmaker, Monk's Kettle, Zeitgeist) and food (Rosamunde-next door to Toronado and you just bring it in, Monk's Kettle, Pica Pica down the street from Zeitgeist).

 

More votes for Iron Springs, Gestalt, and Ludwigs. I would add Marin Beverage Outlet in San Rafael because it is closest and will have some things not available in Mass. On your way to RRBC, you should stop at Beercraft in Rhonert Park -- bottle shop and bar. If you can shoot up to Bear Republic before/after RRBC that is a great spot too.

 

I think everything has been covered except Mill Valley Beer Works and Hop Monk, which has ok in-house beers (I believe made by Gordon Biersch?) and decent food and some guest taps.

As mentioned above, you'll be less than 20 min from SF outside of morning rush hour, so no reason not to venture down. I would consider parking in the Richmond District or maybe NoPa or Haight and using public trans or lyft/uber because trying to find parking will break your spirit in most neighborhoods.

 

What San Fran Jake said.